Photography

Telecommunications

Fashion

Gamecube Wavebird Wireless Controller

“
The Nintendo GameCube WaveBird Wireless Controller uses revolutionary RF technology that allows people to play Nintendo GameCube from anywhere in the room, without wires and without having to be directly in front of an infrared receiver. The WaveBird Wireless Controller replaces standard controllers. Up to four controllers can be used at one time. With the WaveBird Wireless Controller, you can play up to 100 hours on just two AA batteries. Wireless controller for the GameCube. 16 radio channel frequencies; so four can operate without interference. Reliable control at distances up to 20 feet. Requires 2 AA batteries (included) „

Advantages

Disadvantages

If you play gamecube games - you have to play them with this

This is just pure heaven to have, no more leads to trip on and to get taffled in. When I first got it I decided to see how far it would reach and the character was still responding 3 rooms away!

You don´t have to sit to close to the telly anymore, which today is very good as the tellys just get bigger and bigger so you can comfortably sit in the sofa and not having to sit on the floor just because the lead isn´t long enough.

Great also if you got a dog, as mine on a million occasions have gone straight into the lead and almost made the console fall over.

It operates on 2 AA batteries and they do last a long time. I have a Wii now, but got my wavebird plugged in on the side as you can play the old gamecube games on the Wii.

Why nintendo didn´t issue the gamecube with these to start with I have no idea, but I do know that once you have tried one - you never want to play with a normal remote again!

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

Perfect for Gamecube/Virtual Console games

Nowadays, the Gamecube has fallen into obscurity since the release of the Nintendo Wii. This is mainly due to the Wii's ability to play Gamecube titles. However, since the Wii's release, Gamecube games have disappeared from the retail market.

However, Gamecube titles live on in the online market, and therefore Wii players who never had a Gamecube are able to enjoy some great games.

Of course, they're going to need a Gamecube controller, and that is where the Wavebird comes in. The Wavebird is a wireless Gamecube controller, slightly larger than the standard controller, it gives users much more freedom. Especially due to Gamecube controllers having rather short cables when compared to wired controllers from other consoles.

The controller requires 2 AA batteries, and battery length (although depends mostly on the brand of battery) last a long time due to a low energy consumption rate compared to other wireless products.

The controller manages to maintain the standard Gamecube button layout, meaning no compromise has to be made by the player to use it, games will just be as easy to play on this controller, it is near identical to the original.

I also like how the power button doesn't invade any space near the other buttons, preventing any accidental shutdowns.

As well as playing gamecube games, this controller is highly recommended for play downloadable games on the Wii Virtual Console - such as old N64 releases.

Overall, this controller is very responsive, and does not suffer from any delay, even among mobile phones, or wi-fi; which you would think would interfere with it.

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

Great controller.

The Nintendo Gamecube Controller is an extremely good controller. In this review I will explain the differences and share my personal opinion. The main difference is that it's wireless. It required 2 AA batteries. The batteries last for a long amount of time, so that's good. Another difference is that the controller is bigger, so it will take a little bit of getting used to, but I like that it's bigger. The off/on switch is in the lower middle of the controller, so it won't disturb you when your playing your favorite games. At the bottom of the controller is a tuner that you need to use to tune into the controller. Once you "tune in" once you wont need to do it again, so it's not a problem at all. I have used this controller for a long time and it is very reliable. I recommend it to any Gamecube owner.

(P.S: I wrote this review on www.ciao.co.uk, made some minor editing, and pasted it here!)

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

Very good controller.

In this new age of wireless Dualshock, Wiimotes and Xbox 360 controllers, it is testament to Nintendo's own product design and reliability that the Nintendo Wavebird still manages to hold its own.

ProsThe Wavebird, being the Official Nintendo wireless controller, is one of the most reliable controllers you will ever find. It is extremely sturdy, and breaking it is really a mission. The only possible problem is that the rubber on the left analogue stick *can* come off in some circumstances, but save physically chewing on it or it being scratched by a cat, it should last.

It fits snugly into your hand, just like the original gamecube controllers did. Something about their shape and feel just makes these controllers feel right...perfect for wireless action on the Wii even for new games such as Super Smash Bros Brawl or Mario Kart Wii. I personally only use these Wavebird controllers for these two games, not the Wiimotes. Why? The layout of the buttons of this Gamecube controller just makes play that much easier than the Wiimote and Nunchuk method which can feel slightly odd for games that dont require a stick/sword/tennis racket type controller.Cons

No rumble feature. Either you're fussy about having rumble or you're not. You'll have to make your own mind up about this one.Needs 2 AA batteries. On the one hand, battery life is very good and 2 AA batteries can last a fair amount of time in the Wavebird. However, in comparison to the Xbox 360 and PS3 Dualshock controllers which can be recharged through their respective consoles via USB cables, the need to change batteries is becoming more of an inconvenience than it used to be in the past.

Works through RF frequency which needs the frequency number on the controller to be set as the same as that on the receiver. Whilst this isnt that much of a hassle (there are only 16 different frequencies), i do find that sometimes i will accidentally and unkowingly change the dial on my controller to a different frequency. This is not a problem if you only have one wavebird - if the light on the receiver doesnt flash, the frequencies arent matched. A quick check of the two frequencies will set that right in a few seconds.The problem is that when you have 4 wavebirds to play 4 player Mario Kart for example, it can become slightly confusing if one controller isnt working to find out which controller is linked to which receiver and at which frequency. This is only a very minor issue however.

Nintendo have also stopped making these now so the price of these controllers are only going up. They are available in two colours - grey and platinum. Platinum is my personaly favourite, but were never released in the UK so you will likely need to import them from the US if you want to get your hands on them.Overall

They are excellent wireless controllers, and extremely reliable. The introduction of the Wii has only increased the demand for these controllers since the aforementioned games of Super Smash Bros Brawl and Mario Kart Wii are arguably best played with Gamecube controlllers. And in this day and age of wireless controllers, the Wavebird is the king of the Gamecube controllers. If you find one for less than £25, snap it up immediately.

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

Nintendos first wireless controller is great!

The Nintendo Wavebird is the Official wireless controller for the Nintendo Gamecube, Nintendo are known for their controller innovations and they are the first manufacturer to come out with their own wireless controller.

LookThe Wavebird controller is a dull grey colour, and is not available in any of the Gamecube console colours. Slightly disappointing but it does go with the grey coloured controller port plate on the front of the console. Compared with the official wired controller it is slightly bigger, it sticks out where the analogue stick and D pad are, this leaves slightly less room for your fingers. If you have larger hands you may hate the Wavebird! The controller is also quite light but once you have placed batteries into it, the weight is good and is comparable to the Wired controller.

You also get a receiver unit with the Wavebird, this little device is also a grey colour, it has a light on it which will illuminate green when the controller is being used. On the back of the receiver you have a controller port plug, this plugs into the front of your Gamecube console. Overall its quite a good looking pad, it's just a shame they didn't make it in black, platinum or yes, even purple!

Using your WavebirdTo get started with your Wavebird controller, plug the receiver into the Gamecube console. Then insert the batteries into your Wavebird, flick the switch on the Wavebird so it's on. You will then have to adjust the controller until it works with your console, underneath the receiver and on the bottom of the controller you have a little scroll wheel which you must turn until the green light on the receiver lights up when you press a button on the controller. This process is slightly aggravating and may take you a few minutes but once it is done you won't ever need to do it again!

The Wavebird controller is as good as a regular Gamecube controller to use, there is no wireless lag and all button presses are registered. The layout of the pad is identical to the wired version so you will have nothing new to get to grips with, it has great triggers on the back, four face buttons A, B, X, Y, dual analogue sticks, a D-pad, Start/Pause button and as it is wireless you have an On/off switch which is vital for when you are not using it. It is also super comfortable to hold, apart from if you have larger hands!

The only thing the Wavebird hasn't got is rumble, this was probably to save weight and improve battery life, having said that the battery life is very good. The included pair of AA batteries will last you months of playtime, as long as you remember to switch the controller off after you have used it! The lack of rumble is slightly annoying as actions such as firing a gun, charging a powerful attack seem dulled down slightly by the lack of the controller fiercely jolting around. Another issue is the C-stick, when used in First Person shooters, the stick is far too small and the game seems awkward, the controller has one less button than the PS2 and Xbox controllers so multiplatform games sometimes have strange controls.

Price & ConclusionThe Nintendo Wavebird controller had an RRP of around £30, prices now are still relatively high as they are out of production, no doubt because you can use the controller with your Nintendo Wii. The price on amazon is £28 for a used controller and £30 for a new one. If you hate the clutter and tangle of cables and don't have huge hands, the Nintendo Wavebird controller is a great choice. The layout is slightly awkward for multiplatform games and FPS, though you probably will spend most of your time playing Nintendo's own games which all control well. 4/5

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

If you've got an nintendo gamecube, then this controller is an absolute must! Ok so it's just shy of 30 quid - but for pure gaming pleasure this little beast really gives you freedom to either move about -sit ten feet away without the hassle of not having a lead between you and a console. You feel a sense of freedom, that is difficult to explain -the controller works and feels just like a normal nintendo one- albeit there is one no rumble feature (which i normally switch off anyway). There's no time lag between the wavebird and the console. It's reasonably light too -if you've seen the Ps2 logitech RF controller which looks huge this one feels and responds extremely well. It comes with 2 batteries (which last 100 hours apparently) -just make sure you turn the thing off afterwards! There are numerous frequencies -so if you buy a few there's no conflict with other wavebirds - a great idea. If you're into multiplay -then this is really where its at -no longer do you and a few mates have to huddle around -this gives you that extra bit of space. I really can't recomend this product enough - buy one you won't be disappointed.